A spokesman for the businessman has issued a categorical denial of reports linking Roman Abramovich to an investigation by German authorities into Deutsche Bank, stressing that there is no criminal involvement on his part.

He said the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office, which is conducting the investigation at Deutsche Bank’s offices, has confirmed that Abramovich is neither a suspect nor charged in the case.

“The Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office, which is conducting the investigation at Deutsche Bank, has confirmed that Mr Abramovich is not a suspect in this matter and that no charges have been brought against him,” the spokesman said.

According to the same source, legal proceedings have already been initiated in response to reports that, he noted, “unfoundedly linked” the businessman’s name to the investigation. The spokesman said these reports were based on false information originating from a German media outlet.

He added that some media organisations have already amended their reports to remove Abramovich’s name and expressed confidence that others would follow.

The spokesman also recalled that, in an earlier statement, he had said the former Chelsea FC owner had no knowledge of any investigation by German authorities in connection with Deutsche Bank and had acted in full compliance with the law at all times.

The issue emerged following a report by Der Spiegel magazine, which claimed that searches conducted at Deutsche Bank offices were allegedly connected to the bank’s business dealings with companies controlled by Roman Abramovich.